Patents Assigned to Etat Francais
  • Water discharge device for a submerged launching system
    Patent number: 6220196
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water discharge device for a system for launching objects, including torpedoes, mines, or missiles, from at least one tube built into a fixed or movable submerged structure (e.g., a submarine). The tube is provided with at least one end door and one slide valve connecting it hydraulically to the water ram by a impulse tank filled with water. The impulse tank is built into the submarine hull, and comprises a closed, sealed space in which the water is driven to the tube, under the influence of a leading pneumatic ram acting on a following hydraulic ram controlled by the water contained in the chamber and previously drawn in from the marine environment by an intake line. The chamber is immovably located outside the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Etat Francais Represente Par le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventor: Pierre Escarrat
  • Device capable of determining the direction of a target in a defined frame of reference
    Patent number: 6202535
    Abstract: The invention concerns the field of focusing and aiming instruments and more particularly a device for determining the direction of a target in a predetermined index mark comprising a focusing element, a resetting device for resetting the focusing element and a device for processing signals derived from the focusing element, the processing device determining values representing the direction between the focusing element and the target and transmitting the values to a display or an external system. The device is characterized in that the focusing element has a focusing member of three gyrometers arranged along three axes substantially perpendicular to one another and a controller that controls the transmission of the values representing the direction between the focusing element and the target to the display or to the external system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignees: L'Etat Francais, represente par le Delegue Ministeriel pour l'Armement, Sofresud
    Inventors: Bernard Alhadef, Guy Philibert
  • Method of preparing silicon and boron oxynitrides
    Patent number: 6180809
    Abstract: A boron and silicon oxynitride obtained by preparing a polyborosiloxane precursor, conducting nitriding pyrolysis of the precursor to obtain an amorphous boron and silicon oxynitride, and optionally conducting additional pyrolysis to obtain a crystallized boron and silicon oxynitride. The polyborosiloxane precursor is prepared by condensation, in the presence of a catalyst, of (2) a polychlorosilane represented by the formula R3R4SiCl2 in which the substituents R3 and R4 are identical or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl or alkynyl radical having 5 or less carbon atoms, or an aryl or aralkyl radical having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, with (2) an alkyl borate represented by the formula (R5O)3B in which R5 represents a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: L'Etat Francais, represente par le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Pillot, Marc Birot, Jacques Dunogues, Yves Laurent, Paul L'Haridon, Laurence Bois
  • Self-contained device for chemically producing high-pressure breathing oxygen
    Patent number: 6155254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-contained device for generating high-pressure breathing oxygen, of the type comprising an oxygen-generating chemical candle (3), a gastight confinement chamber composed of a body (1) and of a cover (2), in which chamber the candle is housed, means of igniting the candle, means of percussing the igniter and means of filtering the oxygen generated, characterized in that the igniting means consist of a compressed mixture of titanium and boron and in that the filtering means consist of a mixture of lime or soda lime and of molecular sieve and are distributed, on the one hand, packed in around the candle and, on the other hand, in a cartridge having a generated-oxygen outlet cap.Application to the generation of oxygen in the medical or paramedical field, the aeronautics field and the military field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignees: ETAT Francais, Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
    Inventors: Patrick Evrard, Francois Lavoix
  • Peracid-based composition for decontamination of materials soiled by toxic agents
    Patent number: 6143088
    Abstract: A composition for decontamination of materials soiled by toxic agents, pacularly a peracid-based composition for effective decontamination of materials soiled by toxic agents, such as organophosphates and organosulfur compounds. The composition further includes a cationic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Etat Francais represented by the Delegue General pour l ' Armement
    Inventors: Claude Lion, Claude Charvy, Gerard Delmas, Gilbert Magnaud
  • Portable bathymetric probe simulator
    Patent number: 5988873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable simulator for bathymetric probes of the thermometric or calorimetric types connected at the output to an acquisition card. The simulator has at least four circuits corresponding, respectively, to the following four functions: a) selecting a probe type (thermometric or celerimetric) and establishing a firing sequence; b) generating a periodic signal of variable frequency to simulate a celerimetric type probe; c) generating a variation in temperature to simulate a thermometric probe; d) detecting a supply voltage threshold, with circuits b and c having a common section ending at the input of the acquisition card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Etat Francais
    Inventor: Alain Pipet
  • Multiple layer erosion resistant coating and a method for its production
    Patent number: 5952085
    Abstract: A multiple layer erosion resistant coating on a substrate comprises alternate layers of tungsten and titanium diboride. All of the layers have the same thickness and preferably have thickness's of between 0.3 and 1 micrometer to give improved erosion resistance. The layers are produced by spattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce plc, Turbomeca Societe Dite, Etat Francais
    Inventors: David S. Rickerby, Pierre Monge-Cadet, Guy Farges
  • Method of manufacturing a piezosensitive material or a magnetic material
    Patent number: 5948652
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing magnetic or piezoelectric particles consisting of dried microorganisms which contain fixed magnetic or piezoelectric powder. The microorganisms are cultured in a nutrient medium containing the magnetic or piezoelectric powder which is then fixed or ingested by the microorganism. The microorganisms containing the magnetic or piezoelectric powder are then extracted from the nutrient medium and dehydrated to obtain dry particles. The dry particles may be compacted or inserted into a matrix to form a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: ETAT Francais Represented by the Delugue General Pour L'Armement
    Inventors: Corinne C Dejugnac, Alain A Scarpitta, Michel M Boisrayon
  • Subsea thermoelectric generator with thermoelectric modules disposed in sleeves
    Patent number: 5939667
    Abstract: A subsea thermoelectric generator has a plurality of flat thermoelectric modules attached concentrically to the outside wall of an undersea line in which petroleum products extracted from a subsea drilling well circulate. The thermoelectric modules are disposed in flat-bottomed pans machined into the outside wall of the line. The pans are sealed by lids made of heat-conducting material and in thermal contact with the thermoelectric modules. Each lid defines, with the walls of the corresponding pan, a peripheral sealed chamber. The various chambers in the pans communicate with each other through passages provided in partitions that separate the pans and are filled with a soft (compliant), preferably non-heat-conducting, resin. At least one of the pans is provided with an orifice closed by a sealed deformable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: L'Etat Francais represente par le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventors: Philippe Oudoire, Gery Tribou, Tony Mesnil, Gerard Burnouf, Philippe Dubourdieu
  • Thermoelectric generator
    Patent number: 5929372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric generator, of the type including thermoelectric cells electrically attached and insulated between both walls of a duct separating a moving internal fluid and an external fluid having a temperature different from that of the internal fluid. The thermoelectric cells are positioned in such a way that their surfaces of thermal exchange are approximately perpendicular to the outflow direction of the internal fluid. The thermoelectric cells are positioned on both faces of a flared flange radailly clamped onto the duct. An electric generator having these features provides increased electrical power and greater depth operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Etat Francais Represente Par Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventors: Philippe Oudoire, Tony Mesnil, Philippe Dubourdieu, Gery Tribou, Gerard Burnouf
  • Laser-assisted milling process
    Patent number: 5906459
    Abstract: In a laser-assisted milling process at least one laser beam is directed onto the workpiece immediately upstream of the milling tool so as to heat at least one zone of the workpiece parallel to the cutting profile produced by the milling tool, and the laser beam is moved longitudinally over the workpiece in the same direction and at the rate of advance as the milling tool is moved longitudinally over the workpiece. The heated zone may be disposed immediately upstream of either or both of the points at which the cutting edge of the tool enters and exits the cutting zone of the workpiece, or it may be a zone parallel to the cutting profile and of a width equal to that of the cutting zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignees: Societe Nationale d'Etude Et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "Snecma", Etat Francais
    Inventors: Thierry Thomas, Joel Olivier Vigneau
  • Device for sampling gaseous substances, liquids, aerosols or even powdered materials for in situ analysis
    Patent number: 5904900
    Abstract: The sampling device of the invention includes a collection unit with a coction surface (24), a sampling unit (30) engaging said collection surface (24), means for moving said sampling unit (30) and said surface relative to each other, heating means associated with the sampling means (30) for vaporising contaminant materials, and a suction nozzle (28) which connects to the inlet of an analyzing apparatus (1) and is designed to draw in the contaminant material vapours produced by the heating means. The invention is suitable for analyzing in situ gaseous substances, liquids, aerosols, and even pulverulent materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Etat Francais as represented by le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventors: Patrick Bleuse, Pierre Clausin, Christian Heurtel
  • Ground target for simulating the heat silhouette of a vehicle such as a tank
    Patent number: 5901959
    Abstract: The invention is a ground target that simulates the heat support structure of a moving object, particularly a vehicle such as a tank. It has adjustable heat transmitter at least partially covering a support structure whose three-dimensional shape resembles that of the object to be represented. The heat transmitter has modular elements which are attached to an intermediate solid structure. The modular elements are plate-shaped diffusors with at least one heater associated with the inside surface of each diffusor. The target can be used for simulation tests with or without actual engagement with training ammunition by training vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Etat Francais represente par de Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventor: Jean Tessiot
  • Sonar antenna
    Patent number: 5898642
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of sonar antennas, in particular those intended to be installed on an underwater vehicle in order to constitute a mounted head of the vehicle. Specifically, the invention relates to a sonar antenna having at least two identical transducers that exhibit sensitivity peaks at at least two frequencies .nu., and .nu..sub.2, wherein the head mass dimension of the transducers is between 0.35 and 0.65 times the wavelength .lambda..sub.2 corresponding to the higher of the frequencies .nu..sub.1 and .nu..sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Etat Francais represente par le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Wagner
  • Multilayer stack of fluoride materials usable in optics and its production process
    Patent number: 5879820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer stack of fluoride materials usable in optics and its production process.This stack is constituted by alternating layers of a first, high index, fluoride material such as YF.sub.3 and a second, low index fluoride material such as LiF, able to form together a specific, stable compound such as YLiF.sub.4, so that the interface between two adjacent layers of the stack is at least partly formed from said compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Etat Francais
    Inventors: Etienne Quesnel, Jean-Yves Robic, Bernard Rolland, Jean Dijon
  • Module for recording the instantaneous heart rate and portable module for working same
    Patent number: 5865762
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable module for recording the cardiac activity of a person with the aid of a device delivering an ECG signal. The device includes a main energy source connected to a second energy source supplying a temperature sensor by a controlled circuit, a unit that picks up and processes an ECG signal, having an ECG signal filter stage, connected to two integrators with different time constants. The integrator outputs are connected to a comparator delivering a signal (E.sub.3) representing cardiac cycles. The device also includes a mechanism for placing the ECG signal pickup and processing unit in operation and a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Etat Francais
    Inventors: Gustave Savourey, Richard Caterini
  • High reflectivity, broad band mirror and process for producing such a mirror
    Patent number: 5835273
    Abstract: A high reflectivity, broad band mirror for a high flux laser and a process for producing such a mirror. The mirror includes a substrate on which is formed a metallic layer such as aluminum. A stack of layers are formed on the metallic layer. The stack includes alternating layers of two materials with the refractive index of one material being higher than that of the other. A surface layer of a third material is placed on the stack. The surface layer has a refractive index which varies in accordance with the continuous periodic profile. The mirror is formed by depositing the metallic layer on a substrate and forming the stack by an ion beam sputtering method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Etat Francais (represente par le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventors: Michel Ida, Patrick Chaton
  • Device for ejecting a weapon from a submegible launch tube and method
    Patent number: 5834674
    Abstract: A device for ejecting a weapon from a submergible launch tube includes a nt door and a rear door. The device has an inner tube inside the launch tube and shaped to receive a weapon. The device also has holder elements for holding the inner tube in the launch tube and a pump device for circulating fluid between a front and a rear of the launch tube and the inner tube at a high flowrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Etat Francais as represented by the Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventors: Gerard Rodriguez, Damien Roger
  • Cylindrical antenna having means for generating a magnetic field in a vicinity of the antenna
    Patent number: 5818173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microwave antenna having at least one tubular portion with a central axis, and magnets which are located within the tubular portion along the central axis. The magnets generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of the antenna, with each end of each magnet facing an end having the same polarity of an immediately adjacent magnet. This type of antenna is used in the manufacture of microtips on large surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Etat Francais represente par le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventors: Aime Perrin, Bernard Rolland
  • Device for the transmission of digital data with at least two levels of protection and corresponding reception device
    Patent number: RE36430
    Abstract: A device for the transmission of digital data with at least two levels of protection, of the type providing for the distribution of the data to be transmitted in the form of digital elements in the time-frequency space and the transmission of symbols each formed by a multiplex of N orthogonal carriers modulated by a set of the digital elements, and transmitted simultaneously, the device including channel .[.encoding.]. .Iadd.encodes .Iaddend.means comprising at least two types of modulation and/or at least two encoding efficiency levels. This enables to optimize the use of the transmission channel by assigning differentiated transmission techniques to portions of data of a same digital train as a function of the different levels of protection sought, against transmission errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Etat Francais, Telediffusion de France
    Inventors: Roselyn Halbert-Lassalle, Jean Francois Helard, Bernard Le Floch